Samah Sardessai.
The song ‘Homesick in Heaven’ was an unexpected gift she penned to give herself at sweet sixteen. And as her 17th birthday passed by, this official debut single was in the production process. Samah Sardessai, a dreamer from childhood loved music and with her soul soaked in music, she nurtured a dream that she will produce something of her own, someday.
Maybe, the dream will not be fulfilled in this lifetime, and probably take another lifeline, but I am not going to stop dreaming about it,” she told herself. But little did she know that this dream would manifest unexpectedly, giving her instant fame as a singer, songwriter and composer.
“That was something nice and I am euphoric. My song is dedicated to all the people that I love, with every line being significant to what home means to me,” says the teenager, the only daughter of Sweta and Siddha Sardessai. An architect and interior designer, Siddha is an avid lover of music and incredibly talented himself.
“My dad has been an inspiration for me ever since I was a baby,” quips Samah, adding, “My mom has shown me that it’s never too late for your dreams to come true.” Coming from a close-knit family, Samah lovingly calls her dogs her siblings. “Mom currently runs PAWS (Panjim Animal Welfare Society) and all of us are animal lovers at heart,” she smiles.
Samah has enjoyed music since she was a 10-11-year-old kid. It was something that kept flowing in her mind blissfully, giving her pure joy. “I am a dreamer, and will never stop dreaming, although all my dreams may not manifest into reality. So, I dreamt of producing a piece of music myself, though I never penned a song, or played the keys of my guitar well, or sang beautifully. But I was awed by the pop singers. I knew it was a lot of hard work, blended with inborn talent as they all started young, were child prodigies. I had nothing that allowed me to boast that I can write, or sing or play any musical instrument,” she underlines.
But aware of this, Samah never stopped dreaming. “Maybe, that’s why it manifested very naturally and lucidly. I still can’t believe that I have written a song, sung it and now it’s all over for the world to listen to,” sums up Samah.
“It was an assignment from our mass communication teacher Gaurav Padte, a music artist himself. Those involved in the making process treated this song as art, with genuine love for what we create, and not as a chore or job to finish. I believe that it’s because of all the love that has gone into the song that brought out its essence. I’m very grateful for the way it has fallen into place,” says Samah whose parents, family and friends have been supportive of her journey.
“My loved ones are my biggest cheerleaders and I’m really grateful to have such people in my life. Interestingly, the song is dedicated to all the people that I love, with every line being significant to what home means to me. I’ve drawn inspiration from many of my talented friends and family members. All of them have, in many ways, acted as a role model to me,” she asserts.
Just like any other teenager of her times, Samah is engaged and involved in several activities – one different from the other. She has been practicing Kathak for the past nine years. She has a black belt in Karate. She loves horse-riding and whenever time permits, she goes for camps. “I have recently started surfing and that’s something I enjoy. I try my luck in sports and athletics too, like to participate in debates and oratory. I love to experiment in dance, drama and theatre, as well. I also do volunteering – to make the world a better place,” shares Samah.
At school, she is constantly participating in events and competitions. Being a part of new experiences may get stressful sometimes, but it always brings out the best in her and keeps her running to explore her full potential, she feels as if she gets to be a part of something bigger and contributing to such events brings her satisfaction.
Last month, while her song was under production, Samah was also a major part of a musical organised by her school – Open Sesame. She also chaired a committee at an MUN (Model United Nations) and danced at an inter-house competition in her school. All this while maintaining her academics and attending her Kathak classes. “It was a very hectic month, but totally worth it,” says Samah, who loves spending time with friends and family. She is perpetually building new relationships, and perhaps that’s why she is preoccupied and always has plans to follow.
Would she be pursuing a career in music? “Yes, why not? But I would rather not force myself into it consciously. Art needs freedom of expression. It should be free from pressure. It cannot be time bound and has to be borderless. Deadlines squeeze away the charm of crafting something raw and genuine. Nevertheless, I do keep a notebook and jot down metaphors whenever I think of them. Who knows, they may form the base or concept for my next song, Samah says.”
Production crew
The music direction, arrangement, mixing and mastering was by Nashvin Cunha Gomes who also played acoustic guitar along with Errol Pereira De Andrade. With Jonathan Zuzarte on keyboards and Nahil Flores on percussions, Denver Gracias on bass, Rolan Souza Xavier on violin and the harmony vocals by Chelsea D’Silva, the song was recorded at Boskon Studio in Panaji by recording engineer Vijay Xavier, assisted by Dawson and Hansel. The video shoot was done at Bhobe residence as well as at the Boskon Studio. The production house is Hustler & Monk Films, and director and DoP is Krishna Devate assisted by Neil and Manjunath. The art direction and design is by Prayag Quenim and Krishna Devate and producers are Sweta and Siddha Sardessai.
